Our Story

The International Council for Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (IC-ASM) was born from a historic moment in Livingstone, Zambia, where miners, quarry workers, and their representatives from across the world gathered for the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining for Development Global Dialogue. This event, organized by the United Nations Panel of Experts on ASM, brought together thousands of voices calling for recognition, dignity, and a seat at the table in shaping the future of the sector.

From this gathering emerged the Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration—a powerful statement demanding that artisanal miners be placed at the heart of all efforts to formalize, regulate, and support the ASM sector. The declaration was not just a call to action but a commitment to collective strength. It laid the foundation for a global movement that recognizes miners not as passive beneficiaries of development but as leaders, decision-makers, and change-makers.

IC-ASM was established to fulfill this vision. We are more than an organization—we are a platform for miners by miners. Our structure ensures that national and sub-national associations, commodity-based groups, and organizations representing women and youth in ASM have equal voice and representation. Through our work, we seek to turn the aspirations of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration into tangible outcomes: better policies, improved livelihoods, sustainable practices, and global recognition for the millions of people who depend on artisanal mining.

Our story is one of resilience, solidarity, and hope. It is the story of miners who dig not only for minerals but for opportunity, dignity, and a better future for their families and communities. Together, we are writing a new chapter—one where artisanal miners are no longer on the margins but at the center of a just and sustainable mining future.

Voices from ASM

Africa

Regional ASM Association President

"IC-ASM has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of artisanal miners across our continent. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development."

South America

Gold Miner Cooperative Leader

"Through IC-ASM, we have access to resources and networks that help us improve our mining practices while protecting our environment and communities."

Asia

Women in Mining Representative

"IC-ASM empowers women miners like us to have a seat at the table. Our contributions to the sector are finally being recognized and valued."

Europe

Development Organization Director

"Working with IC-ASM has transformed our approach to ASM development. They bring authentic miner perspectives that make our programs truly impactful."

Global

Young Miners Network Coordinator

"IC-ASM is creating pathways for the next generation of artisanal miners to thrive with dignity and opportunity."

Global

UN Agency Representative

"IC-ASM is a critical partner in achieving our sustainable development goals. Their grassroots connections ensure miners are central to policy discussions."

Africa

Regional ASM Association President

"IC-ASM has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of artisanal miners across our continent. Together, we are transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable development."

South America

Gold Miner Cooperative Leader

"Through IC-ASM, we have access to resources and networks that help us improve our mining practices while protecting our environment and communities."

Asia

Women in Mining Representative

"IC-ASM empowers women miners like us to have a seat at the table. Our contributions to the sector are finally being recognized and valued."

Europe

Development Organization Director

"Working with IC-ASM has transformed our approach to ASM development. They bring authentic miner perspectives that make our programs truly impactful."

Global

Young Miners Network Coordinator

"IC-ASM is creating pathways for the next generation of artisanal miners to thrive with dignity and opportunity."

Global

UN Agency Representative

"IC-ASM is a critical partner in achieving our sustainable development goals. Their grassroots connections ensure miners are central to policy discussions."

Our Vision

  • To be the global foundation for the voices of artisanal and small-scale miners and quarry workers: Ensuring miners are central to decision-making processes that affect their livelihoods
  • We aspire to unite ASM associations worldwide, creating a powerful collective voice that drives positive change and sustainable development in the sector: Building a global movement for miner empowerment and recognition

    • Our Mission

    Our Mission
    • Promote Representation and Collective Action: We create platforms for ASM associations to organize, collaborate, and speak with a unified voice on issues affecting their communities.
    • Advance Sustainable Practices: We promote environmental stewardship, responsible mining techniques, and practices that protect both people and the planet.
    • Empower Communities: We work to improve the livelihoods, health, safety, and economic well-being of artisanal miners and their families, ensuring that mining contributes to poverty reduction and local development.
    • Promote Gender Equality: We champion the rights and participation of women and youth in ASM, recognizing their critical roles in the sector and ensuring their voices are heard.
    • Foster Collaboration: We build partnerships with governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations to create enabling environments for ASM.
    • Advocate for Responsible Sourcing: We work to integrate artisanal miners into formal and ethical supply chains, ensuring fair prices and market access for their products.
    • Lead Policy Development: We engage with policymakers to develop and implement frameworks that support ASM formalization, protect miner rights, and promote sector transformation.
    • Transform Lives through Capacity Development: We provide training, technical assistance, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to strengthen the skills and capacities of ASM associations and their members.
    • Secure the Future of ASM: We advocate for long-term investments in the sector, ensuring that artisanal mining becomes a pathway to sustainable livelihoods for current and future generations.

    Our Principles

  • Inclusivity: Membership is open to all ASM associations, regardless of size, location, or commodity focus, ensuring diverse representation.
  • Balanced Representation: Each country gets one vote in our General Assembly, ensuring fair representation across regions and preventing dominance by larger associations.
  • Permanent Membership for Associations: Once an association joins IC-ASM, its membership remains permanent, providing stability and long-term commitment to the collective cause.
  • Avoiding Duplication: Membership levels are designed to avoid duplication—sub-national associations cannot join if a national association is already a member, ensuring clarity and coherence.
  • Multilingual and Regional Accessibility: IC-ASM operates in multiple languages (including French, Spanish, and Swahili) and establishes regional chapters to ensure accessibility and relevance across diverse contexts.

    • Our People

    General Assembly

    The supreme decision-making body of IC-ASM, comprising representatives from all member associations.

    Executive Committee

    Oversees day-to-day operations and implements decisions made by the General Assembly.

    Technical Committee

    Provides expert guidance on technical matters related to ASM practices, sustainability, and innovation.

    Regional Chapters

    Facilitate regional coordination and ensure that the diverse needs of different geographic areas are addressed.

    Board of Directors

    Provides strategic oversight and governance, ensuring alignment with the vision and mission of IC-ASM.

    Secretariat

    Supports the administrative and operational functions of IC-ASM.

    • Executive Director
    • Program Coordinators
    • Communications Officer
    • Finance Manager
    • Membership Coordinator
    • Policy Advisor
    • Technical Specialists

    Advisory Council

    Comprises experts, partners, and stakeholders who provide strategic advice and support.

    IC-ASM Logo

    Our Members

    IC-ASM will include a diverse range of members to ensure comprehensive representation of the ASM community and its stakeholders:

    National ASM Associations

    National ASM Associations

    Country-level organizations representing artisanal and small-scale miners across an entire nation.

    Sub-national Associations

    Sub-national Associations

    Regional or provincial associations representing miners in specific areas within a country.

    Commodity-Based Associations

    Commodity-Based Associations

    Organizations focused on specific minerals or materials, such as gold, gemstones, or building materials.

    Women and Youth Organisations

    Women and Youth Organisations

    Groups specifically advocating for and supporting women and young people in the artisanal mining sector.

    Our Organizational Structure

    Organizational Structure

    Our Partners

    Global Centre for Mineral Security (GCMS), The University of Queensland

    National Governments

    Mining Industry Companies

    Multinational Organisations

    Civil Society Organisations

    Research Institutions & Universities

    • Global Centre for Mineral Security (GCMS), The University of Queensland: Our founding partner in establishing and supporting IC-ASM.

    Certification Entities

    Development and Non-Government Organisations